Office of University Relations

Overview

The Office of University Relations (OUR) is responsible for advancing the UW System’s mission through communications and stakeholder engagement.

The University Relations team is comprised of four unique yet integrated units: strategic communications, state relations, federal and corporate relations, and economic development. The University Relations team works with the news media, elected officials, business and community leaders, and other key external audiences, as well as directly with UW System Administration units and individual UW institutions.

OUR’s objective is to improve public awareness of, accessibility to, and appreciation for the UW System and its member institutions.

Leadership

James Villa

Vice President for University Relations

Contact

About James Villa

James C. Villa is the Vice President for University Relations for the University of Wisconsin System. He leads a team broadly responsible for strategic communications and external relations for the System and serves as an adviser to System President Cross and members of the Board of Regents.

The Office of University Relations (OUR) is made up of the offices of Economic Development, Federal & Corporate Relations, State Relations, and Strategic Communications.

Villa has more than 20 years of experience in public affairs, state and local government, and business development. Most recently, he served as the President & CEO of the Commercial Association of REALTORS® Wisconsin. Prior to that, Villa served in a number of key roles in local and state government in Wisconsin.

He earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Marquette University.

Departments

Assists in communicating the President’s vision for the University of Wisconsin System, serves as a primary point of contact for news reporters, manages the UW System’s website and digital content, and produces a variety of print and electronic publications to serve both internal and external audiences.